Jeff O'Lantern

A funny, heartwarming Halloween picture book about a shy little pumpkin who discovers that being kind and being brave don't have to look the same

Everyone on Irving Street knows Jack O'Lantern. Wild eyes, crooked teeth, the best on the block at keeping greedy trick-or-treaters from grabbing too much candy. But have you met his little brother, Jeff? Jeff has kind eyes, a friendly smile, and a "boo" that sounds more sweet than spooky. No matter how hard he tries, he just can't seem to scare anyone. And living up to the O'Lantern name when your big brother is the toughest pumpkin on the block? That's a lot of pressure for a little pumpkin.

When the Halloween candy starts disappearing way too fast and it looks like there won't be enough for everyone, Jeff sets off on a mission to save the candy bowl, help a new friend, and prove that you don't have to be the scariest pumpkin on the porch to be a hero. Along the way, he discovers something even better: his own unique talents were his superpower all along. Funny, charming, and full of heart, Jeff O'Lantern is the perfect Halloween read-aloud for kids who have ever felt too quiet, too small, or too different to make a difference.

Key features:

• a Halloween story that's funny and meaningful packed with humor, charm, and a lovable pumpkin hero kids will root for, while delivering a real message about self-discovery, confidence, and finding your own strengths
• celebrates quiet, kind kids shows children that being shy or gentle is not a weakness and that kindness can be its own kind of bravery
• sibling dynamics kids relate to captures the universal feeling of living in a bigger sibling's shadow and learning that you don't have to be like someone else to shine
• perfect Halloween read-aloud a seasonal favorite for family storytime, classroom Halloween parties, library October displays, and cozy fall reading
• trusted publisher from Magination Press, the children's imprint of the American Psychological Association, dedicated to emotional well-being and healthy development